Cost of Living: France vs Madagascar

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between France and Madagascar.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in France is 482.3% more expensive than Madagascar. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 2,040.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Madagascar, you would spend about $582 in France for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 2,040.0%

France is 2,040.0% more expensive

Property Prices 851.7%

France is 851.7% more expensive

Other Expenses 676.1%

France is 676.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 482.3%

France is 482.3% more expensive than Madagascar

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +2,040.0%
  • Property Prices +851.7%
  • Other Expenses +676.1%

Is France cheaper than Madagascar?

No, Madagascar is cheaper than France

Overall, living costs in Madagascar are 482.3% lower than in France.

Where Madagascar is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 2,040.0% cheaper
  • Property Prices 851.7% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 676.1% cheaper

Where Madagascar is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 10.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

France: 17.07 $ Madagascar: 2.64 $
546.6% more expensive in France

1-bedroom apartment in city center

France: 875.36 $ Madagascar: 295.45 $
196.3% more expensive in France

Monthly public transport pass

France: 70.58 $ Madagascar: 8.79 $
703.0% more expensive in France

1 liter of milk

France: 1.31 $ Madagascar: 1.06 $
23.6% more expensive in France

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Madagascar is indeed cheaper than France. You would spend approximately 482.3% on living expenses by choosing Madagascar over France. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

482.3%

France is 482.3% more expensive than Madagascar

Restaurants

221.7%

France is 221.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Markets

300.8%

France is 300.8% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Other Expenses

676.1%

France is 676.1% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Transportation

102.3%

France is 102.3% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Household Utilities

359.8%

France is 359.8% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Mobile and Internet

10.5%

France is 10.5% cheaper than Madagascar in this category

Sports And Leisure

97.7%

France is 97.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Childcare

6.7%

France is 6.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Clothing And Shoes

123.1%

France is 123.1% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Rent Per Month

326.5%

France is 326.5% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Property Prices

851.7%

France is 851.7% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Salaries And Financing

2,040.0%

France is 2,040.0% more expensive than Madagascar in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item France Madagascar Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.07 $ 2.64 $ 546.6%
France is 546.6% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 68.30 $ 17.58 $ 288.5%
France is 288.5% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.52 $ 4.40 $ 184.5%
France is 184.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.63 $ 1.25 $ 190.4%
France is 190.4% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.19 $ 0.95 $ 235.8%
France is 235.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.21 $ 0.62 $ 256.5%
France is 256.5% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.78 $ 0.62 $ 25.8%
France is 25.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) ? 6.83 $ N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.33 $ 1.40 $ 137.9%
France is 137.9% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.38 $ 8.59 $ 32.5%
France is 32.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) ? 1.76 $ N/A
Milk (1L) 1.31 $ 1.06 $ 23.6%
France is 23.6% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.04 $ 0.93 $ 119.4%
France is 119.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.59 $ 0.69 $ 275.4%
France is 275.4% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.29 $ 2.02 $ 112.4%
France is 112.4% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 20.08 $ 9.62 $ 108.7%
France is 108.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 13.86 $ 4.77 $ 190.6%
France is 190.6% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 21.30 $ 5.39 $ 295.2%
France is 295.2% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.12 $ 1.17 $ 166.7%
France is 166.7% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.33 $ 0.60 $ 288.3%
France is 288.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.10 $ 0.97 $ 219.6%
France is 219.6% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.63 $ 0.89 $ 307.9%
France is 307.9% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.35 $ 0.55 $ 327.3%
France is 327.3% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.45 $ 0.76 $ 222.4%
France is 222.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.57 $ 0.36 $ 336.1%
France is 336.1% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 70.58 $ 8.79 $ 703.0%
France is 703.0% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 13.66 $ 1.76 $ 676.1%
France is 676.1% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.16 $ 0.15 $ 1,340.0%
France is 1,340.0% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 5.46 $ 2.20 $ 148.2%
France is 148.2% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.28 $ 2.09 $ 9.1%
France is 9.1% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.22 $ 4.40 $ 745.9%
France is 745.9% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.04 $ 1.24 $ 64.5%
France is 64.5% more expensive
New Economy Car 36,876.07 $ 13,185.28 $ 179.7%
France is 179.7% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 36,162.84 $ 22,931.40 $ 57.7%
France is 57.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 210.87 $ 45.86 $ 359.8%
France is 359.8% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 25.59 $ 14.86 $ 72.2%
France is 72.2% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 34.21 $ 51.98 $ 34.2%
France is 34.2% cheaper
Gym Membership 37.20 $ 22.09 $ 68.4%
France is 68.4% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 18.42 $ 6.37 $ 189.2%
France is 189.2% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.66 $ 6.59 $ 107.3%
France is 107.3% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 800.37 $ 70.32 $ 1,038.2%
France is 1,038.2% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 11,595.44 $ 11,548.92 $ 0.4%
France is 0.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 102.59 $ 24.54 $ 318.1%
France is 318.1% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 43.82 $ 27.00 $ 62.3%
France is 62.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 104.20 $ 71.75 $ 45.2%
France is 45.2% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 138.28 $ 51.03 $ 171.0%
France is 171.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 875.36 $ 295.45 $ 196.3%
France is 196.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 692.40 $ 70.66 $ 879.9%
France is 879.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,634.03 $ 425.77 $ 283.8%
France is 283.8% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,289.02 $ 260.96 $ 394.0%
France is 394.0% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,484.72 $ 651.94 $ 894.7%
France is 894.7% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,425.62 $ 494.45 $ 795.1%
France is 795.1% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,687.45 $ 108.50 $ 2,376.9%
France is 2,376.9% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.66 17.25 78.8%
France is 78.8% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Madagascar. Enter your monthly expenses in France to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between France and Madagascar goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for France vs Madagascar

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

France

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Madagascar

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in France Cost of living in Madagascar

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